alternatives to Zoloft/Paxil
Question:
Hello, I am trying to research alternatives to SSRIs for social phobia. I have found that Zoloft and Paxil work for me, but only at relatively high dosages (150mg and 40mg, respectively – these were not taken at the same time of course). Both caused significant side effects such as excessive daytime sleepiness, forgetfulness and sexual side effects and I was forced to stop using them. I can use Xanax + a beta blocker for occasional intense situations, but do not want to take a benzodiazepine regularly. Everything I have read says to take an SSRI or maybe a benzodiazepine. Have you had success with anything else that I may ask my doctor about? Thanks in advance, Al — Group info and charter at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
<Gently snipped …Everything I have read says to take an SSRI or maybe a benzodiazepine. …Have you had success with anything else that I may ask my doctor about? … …Thanks in advance, Dear Al, Welcome to ASAPM! Being you are looking for alternitives……I was wondering if you ever tried cognitive behavioral therapy? It "can" be quite effective for anxiety disorders, including social anxiety. It surely can`t hurt to look into it…… and CBT doesn`t cause side-effects like meds can 
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ccbtherapy.html http://panicdisorder.about.com
